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Can A Dog Die From Eating Chocolate ?
The clear fact about the danger from chocolates for dogs is that it largely depends on the quality and the quantity of the chocolates, the dog’s age and its weight. For example, when large dogs are given small amount of chocolate, they can easily lap it up and digest, but for pint-size dogs, even the smallest amount could be a problem. |
Chocolate are made out of cacao tree’s bitter seeds, and contains compounds called methylxanthines, which includes caffeine and the chemical theobromine. Chocolates are rich in theobromine and low in caffeine. However, even a low theobromine quantity can cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs. The symptoms can be effectively seen within 12 hours of taking the chocolates. And, if large quantities of chocolate are given to dogs, this could lead to seizure or muscle tremors in them. The heart of the dog will race up and this would make it behave like a mad dog.
White chocolate has the least levels of theobromine. So, dogs can handle this type of chocolate. Next on the list of least toxic chocolates is the cocoa and milk chocolates that have 44-60 milligrams of theobromine per ounce of chocolate. Baker’s chocolates are highly dangerous for dogs as these contain 8 to 10 times more levels of theobromine than what is found in milk chocolates. Even white chocolate, if given in large quantities, could become dangerous for dogs.
The ability of dogs to handle chocolates also depends on the dog’s size, type and weight. Based on ASPCA's theobromine and caffeine toxicity levels for pets (100 - 200 milligrams per 2.2 pounds of weight), a dog weighing 50 pounds would feel the toxicity if it ate 9 ounces of milk chocolate. Small amounts of chocolates can make the dog suffer from stomach ache, but if large quantity is given, it could prove fatal. If a dog is taken ill after consuming chocolates, the veterinarian can help lessen the symptoms of poisoning such as treating with IV fluids, inducing vomiting, or administering anti-seizure or heart medications.
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